Richland County (WLTX) -- Deputies in Richland County have arrested a 46-year-old former high school coach they say solicited a 14-year-old high school student.
Investigators say Michael Wayne Rucker began soliciting sex from a 14-year-old female through text messages. Deputies say the victim's parents discovered the texts, and say the first one was sent on April 15th.
Deputies say the text messages stopped on May 31, when the victim's parents discovered the solicitations.
Investigators say Rucker was a volunteer coach at Cardinal Newman High School, and he used his position at the school to obtain the child's phone information.
Cardinal Newman officials released the following statement on the arrest:
"Michael Rucker, a former part-time high school assistant at Cardinal Newman High School, was arrested today on charges of crimianl solicitation of a minor. The coach was allegedly engaged in soliciting sexual relations from a minor student who is enrolled at Cardinal Newman School. Rucker is barred from serving in any capacity or participating in any program at Cardinal Newman School and any Diocesan-sponsored activity.
"Cardinal Newman administration was made aware of the incidents on Friday afternoon, May 30th, by the parents of the student; and in conformity with a strict diocesan policy to investigate and report instances of sexual abuse, the school and the Diocese of Charleston immediately began an internal investigation and reported the incident to the Forest Acres Police Department on Tuesday, June 2nd.
"According to Cardinal Newman School Principal Jacqueline Kasprowski, 'This incident shows how parents, school officials and a strong sexual abuse policy can work together to help keep our children safe from sexual predators.'
"The Diocese of Charleston is adamant that the abuse of children will not be tolerated. The Diocese works proactively to protect children, to stop any alleged abuse, and to promote the healing of all parties affected."
6/11/2009 11:30:44 AM
